Nancy is one of seven siblings. She attends a ball presenting her younger sister Unity to society, but her other sister Diana is the real star, as she is the most beautiful woman there. Their sister Pamela and only brother Tom are also in attendance, but her youngest sisters Jessica and Deborah are too young for the party. Nancy is excited to meet with her writer and artist friends at the party, including Evelyn Waugh. However, all her friends surround Diana, and Nancy notes that Diana is looking at someone unexpected.

Diana is hosting the ball at her house. She takes stock of her privileged life and is grateful for her husband, Bryan Guinness, and her sons Jonathan and Desmond. Diana knows that many Londoners who are struggling through the Depression criticize lavish parties like the one she’s hosting, but she doesn’t care because she thinks she can’t change anything about the world or economy anyway. She is surprised and happy to see Sir Oswald Mosley arrive at the party.